16/06/2015

HSE Reverse SNA Preschool Cuts

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reversed its decision to reduce the provision of SNA services in preschools.

The HSE had previously announced that the provision was to be cut completely. However, following an outcry, they decided that the service would not be stopped but reduced by 25%.

That decision has now been reversed, with the HSE announcing that the full provision would go ahead next year.

Welcoming the news, Fianna Fáil's Thomas Byrne said: "A year ago, the HSE told parents and preschool teachers that the SNA service in preschools was coming to an end. This caused utter devastation and confusion at the time. Since then they have made things worse by reversing the cut, then implementing a 25% cut from 6 hours per week to 4.5 hours per week.

"The worst thing the HSE did in my view was at one point to ask parents to help them in devising how to cut the service.

"Now, the HSE has formally announced that the 6 hours provisions will go ahead for next year but again they have left a sword of Damocles hanging over the service for the year after.

"I welcome the reversal for next year, but it is clear that a full national strategy is needed in this area."

(MH/CD)

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